Brazil take on Costa Rica in must win World Cup clash (Preview)

Sochi, June 21 (IANS) Neymar and Brazil will need to step up their game when they take on Costa Rica in a must win Group E FIFA World Cup clash here on Friday.

Brazil drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opener last weekend, and Neymar was much criticised for his underwhelming performance.

He was hunted down mercilessly by the Swiss, drawing 10 of Brazil’s 19 fouls, as many as some entire teams.

Neymar also lacked the zip which made him the world’s most expensive footballer when French heavyweights Paris St Germain signed him from Spanish giants FC Barcelona last August.

There was an injury scare after he limped out of Tuesday’s training session with a sore ankle but to his team’s relief the forward is expected to be fit for what could be Brazil’s fourth World Cup match without a win.